BG Pathum United FC
Ground: BG StadiumCapacity: 15,114
Club Founded: 1979
Pre-Planning
League: Thai League 1 (current level)
BG Pathum United are one of Thailand's biggest football clubs. Their history and my first visits have their own post, as does BG Stadium with its background and when a neutral venue. This page concentrates on the home games I have attended since 2022.
My Visits From 2022
BG Pathum United 2 Port FC 0
FA Cup Round of 16 - Wednesday 2nd February 2022
π¨π¨π§π§ 3,221 π️ 200 THB (£4.80)
Pre-Planning
I had moved to Bangkok and was delighted when the two teams were drawn out of the hat together. I looked at all the possibilities of obtaining a ticket, fully aware that some pandemic restrictions were still in place.
After registering on the Line App via Port, all the information was sent to me. Ticket reserved, I was ready to plan my trip, and then Covid intervened, as players in both squads tested positive. The match was deferred for a couple of weeks. On the day of the game, I decided to wait for a bus directly to Rangsit from near my condo.
Travel and Optimism
Travel and Optimism
Services will still be quite sporadic in the pandemic-ridden days. In the end, I hailed a taxi to arrive at BG Stadium well ahead of the kickoff. No catering stands appeared to be open in the complex surrounding the venue, so I bought a couple of beers from a vendor outside after collecting my ticket from the away fans’ booth.
I was optimistic of an away win, despite Port being on a poor run of form. Indeed, they did reasonably well in the opening exchanges. A fine flowing move saw a low cross from Kevin Deeromram nearly pounced in by Adisak Kraisorn, who slipped into keeper Prasit Padungchok.
It's the Hope that Kills You
I was optimistic of an away win, despite Port being on a poor run of form. Indeed, they did reasonably well in the opening exchanges. A fine flowing move saw a low cross from Kevin Deeromram nearly pounced in by Adisak Kraisorn, who slipped into keeper Prasit Padungchok.
It's the Hope that Kills You
However, it was the hosts who went ahead after twenty-six minutes when fine work in the corner by Pathompol Charoenrattanapirom saw the ball slipped to Santiphap Channgom, whose pinpoint cross was headed in at the back post by the unmarked Ikhsan Fandi.
A fine ball released Adisak through on goal. His lack of pace, along with great endeavour and a last-ditch challenge from Ernesto Phumipha, prevented him from getting his shot away. Bordin Phala was found in the box, but his chest control took him away from the goal before he skewed his shot high and wide as Port pressed.
The Teerasil Show
A fine ball released Adisak through on goal. His lack of pace, along with great endeavour and a last-ditch challenge from Ernesto Phumipha, prevented him from getting his shot away. Bordin Phala was found in the box, but his chest control took him away from the goal before he skewed his shot high and wide as Port pressed.
The Teerasil Show
The introduction of forwards Diogo and Teerasil Dangda from United had a huge effect from the start of the second half. Teerasil hit the outside of the post with a volley from Apisit Sorada on the hour mark after Diogo had a goal chalked off for offside.
Fandi had a superb header expertly pushed over the bar by visiting goalie Kawin Thamsatchana before Adisorn Promrak should have restored parity. He had a free header at the back post from a corner, but put his effort into the midriff of keeper Prasit.
From the resulting set piece, another header went towards the goal, where Apisit somehow cleared the ball off the line via the angle of the post and crossbar. Suggestions were that the ball crossed the line.
A BG move at the other end saw Teerasil fire in a rasping shot, which Kawin saved dramatically. Eleven minutes from time, Teerasil rose unmarked at the back post to head home the second. You didn’t need Sherlock Holmes to see it coming.
Concentrate on the League
Fandi had a superb header expertly pushed over the bar by visiting goalie Kawin Thamsatchana before Adisorn Promrak should have restored parity. He had a free header at the back post from a corner, but put his effort into the midriff of keeper Prasit.
From the resulting set piece, another header went towards the goal, where Apisit somehow cleared the ball off the line via the angle of the post and crossbar. Suggestions were that the ball crossed the line.
A BG move at the other end saw Teerasil fire in a rasping shot, which Kawin saved dramatically. Eleven minutes from time, Teerasil rose unmarked at the back post to head home the second. You didn’t need Sherlock Holmes to see it coming.
Concentrate on the League
Port's night was summed up with a couple of minutes remaining when Philip Roller was put through on goal. He dallied before his effort away was cleared off the line. The same player headed wide from a Deeromram cross when well placed.
Port out of both cups within a few weeks despite having plenty of play and chances. Teerasil was magnificent for the hosts, who fully deserved their win. I departed and grabbed a taxi home.
Thailand 1 Suriname 0 (Sunday 27th March 2022) International Friendly (att: 4,418)
Having been to Chonburi Stadium the previous Thursday for the match against Nepal, I was delighted to be cheering on my adopted nation once again. I had learned what I thought was the best way to the stadium by public transport after heading to a game at nearby North Bangkok University the previous weekend.
I changed buses at Wat Phra Sri Mahathat to take a service to the opposite Zeer Rangsit, where there was a small mall and market to grab some food and drink. From there, it was a bit of a wait before the busy 538 air-conditioned bus arrived. It dropped me right outside the ground.
I decided to buy a ticket for the normal home end and was soon upstairs on the top deck, which was great for plane spotters but not vertigo sufferers, especially as you needed to be at the back to view the near goal. I didn’t really enjoy it, truth be told, despite the dramatic view.
The Ultras made viewing even more difficult when they arrived with their flags, making a proper noise at the same time. The Thai Power fan group was at the other end. Bordin Phala had the first effort for Thailand, but his low shot was easily gathered by keeper Warner Hahn.
This was before Hahn produced a good low save to keep out Suphanat Mueanta, who then had a low near-post volley disallowed for offside. At this point, I moved downstairs a level to the middle tier, where I felt more comfortable.
The hosts were playing some neat football, with Suriname having their backs to the wall. Theeratorn Boonmatan was next to go close, with a bending free kick. Phala opened the scoring three minutes shy of the half-hour mark when he came inside and fired in a curling shot from twenty-five yards.
Head coach AlexandrΓ© PΓΆlking had his charges playing well, and they were on a fine run since being crowned as Southeast Asian champions. But Suriname hadn’t just turned up to sightsee. They almost drew level when Leandro Kappel dragged his shot across the goal shortly into the second half.
Kritsada Kaman was next to go close with a free kick for the Thais before keeper Sivaruk Tedsungnoen made a miraculous save from sub Jeredy Hilterman, who really should have scored from the low cross.
The visitors carried on carving out opportunities, with Tjaronn Chery being found on the edge of the box in acres of space. His low shot was saved by Tedsungnoen. In the end, the home side won 1-0.
It was now time to plan my trip home. Crossing the bridge, a minivan was waiting to take fans back to Victory Monument. I decided to bite the bullet and jump out at Lak Si, failing desperately to estimate my stop.
It ended in a very long walk along the side of the busy Vibhavadi Rangsit road and then along Thanon Chaeng Watthana back to the stop at the end of Ram Inthra near Wat Phra Sri Mahathat BTS, from where a 26 bus was soon along to take me home.
BG Pathum United 2 Port FC 1
Port out of both cups within a few weeks despite having plenty of play and chances. Teerasil was magnificent for the hosts, who fully deserved their win. I departed and grabbed a taxi home.
Thailand 1 Suriname 0 (Sunday 27th March 2022) International Friendly (att: 4,418)
Having been to Chonburi Stadium the previous Thursday for the match against Nepal, I was delighted to be cheering on my adopted nation once again. I had learned what I thought was the best way to the stadium by public transport after heading to a game at nearby North Bangkok University the previous weekend.
I changed buses at Wat Phra Sri Mahathat to take a service to the opposite Zeer Rangsit, where there was a small mall and market to grab some food and drink. From there, it was a bit of a wait before the busy 538 air-conditioned bus arrived. It dropped me right outside the ground.
I decided to buy a ticket for the normal home end and was soon upstairs on the top deck, which was great for plane spotters but not vertigo sufferers, especially as you needed to be at the back to view the near goal. I didn’t really enjoy it, truth be told, despite the dramatic view.
The Ultras made viewing even more difficult when they arrived with their flags, making a proper noise at the same time. The Thai Power fan group was at the other end. Bordin Phala had the first effort for Thailand, but his low shot was easily gathered by keeper Warner Hahn.
This was before Hahn produced a good low save to keep out Suphanat Mueanta, who then had a low near-post volley disallowed for offside. At this point, I moved downstairs a level to the middle tier, where I felt more comfortable.
The hosts were playing some neat football, with Suriname having their backs to the wall. Theeratorn Boonmatan was next to go close, with a bending free kick. Phala opened the scoring three minutes shy of the half-hour mark when he came inside and fired in a curling shot from twenty-five yards.
Head coach AlexandrΓ© PΓΆlking had his charges playing well, and they were on a fine run since being crowned as Southeast Asian champions. But Suriname hadn’t just turned up to sightsee. They almost drew level when Leandro Kappel dragged his shot across the goal shortly into the second half.
Kritsada Kaman was next to go close with a free kick for the Thais before keeper Sivaruk Tedsungnoen made a miraculous save from sub Jeredy Hilterman, who really should have scored from the low cross.
The visitors carried on carving out opportunities, with Tjaronn Chery being found on the edge of the box in acres of space. His low shot was saved by Tedsungnoen. In the end, the home side won 1-0.
It was now time to plan my trip home. Crossing the bridge, a minivan was waiting to take fans back to Victory Monument. I decided to bite the bullet and jump out at Lak Si, failing desperately to estimate my stop.
It ended in a very long walk along the side of the busy Vibhavadi Rangsit road and then along Thanon Chaeng Watthana back to the stop at the end of Ram Inthra near Wat Phra Sri Mahathat BTS, from where a 26 bus was soon along to take me home.
BG Pathum United 2 Port FC 1
Thai League 1 - Saturday 2nd April 2022
π¨π¨π§π§ 4,314 π️ 200 THB (£4.80)
Handy Help
Handy Help
A Saturday night match worked perfectly for me to do a doubleheader, as I attended the North Bangkok University v Saraburi United clash in the third-tier playoffs less than a mile away beforehand.
When walking along Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road, a car stopped and offered me a lift. It turned out to be driven by Port midfielder Kanarin Thawornsak's father, who saw my shirt. He turned out to be a lovely bloke to boot, telling me he was a Liverpool fan.
Cashless Stadium
When walking along Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road, a car stopped and offered me a lift. It turned out to be driven by Port midfielder Kanarin Thawornsak's father, who saw my shirt. He turned out to be a lovely bloke to boot, telling me he was a Liverpool fan.
Cashless Stadium
There was time for me to grab a beer using my bank phone app. The BG Stadium is cashless. Diogo came close to opening the scoring for BGPU with his low shot going narrowly wide. At the other end, Roller should have done better when the ball fell loose to him at the edge of the box.
Bordin beat home keeper Kittipong Phuthawchueak to a cross but saw his looping effort headed onto his own bar by Channgom and away to safety. The deadlock was broken after twenty-six minutes when Irfan Fandi headed in at the back post, with poor marking once again leading to Ports' downfall.
The second goal, three minutes later, had a huge chunk of fortune attached as a cross from Ikhsan Fandi took a horrible deflection off Kannarin Thawornsak to loop over keeper Worawut Srisupha into the net. I feared the worst at this point.
A shot from Pathompol Charoenrattanapirom flew wide as the pressure continued before Diogo stung Worawut's fingers. A Sergio Saurez volley for Port tested the reflexes of Kittipong in the home net.
Second Half Action
Bordin beat home keeper Kittipong Phuthawchueak to a cross but saw his looping effort headed onto his own bar by Channgom and away to safety. The deadlock was broken after twenty-six minutes when Irfan Fandi headed in at the back post, with poor marking once again leading to Ports' downfall.
The second goal, three minutes later, had a huge chunk of fortune attached as a cross from Ikhsan Fandi took a horrible deflection off Kannarin Thawornsak to loop over keeper Worawut Srisupha into the net. I feared the worst at this point.
A shot from Pathompol Charoenrattanapirom flew wide as the pressure continued before Diogo stung Worawut's fingers. A Sergio Saurez volley for Port tested the reflexes of Kittipong in the home net.
Second Half Action
Soon into the second half, a shot from Pathompol was half-blocked as it flew just wide. Port halved the deficit after fifty-four minutes when a deep cross from Martin Steuble was converted on the volley at the back post by David Rochela.
Teerasak Poeiphimai went close to drawing the team’s level, but his header flashed narrowly wide. Ikhsan Fandi missed a gilt-edged chance to restore United’s two-goal lead, but he panicked in front of the goal.
Defeat in the Cold
Teerasak Poeiphimai went close to drawing the team’s level, but his header flashed narrowly wide. Ikhsan Fandi missed a gilt-edged chance to restore United’s two-goal lead, but he panicked in front of the goal.
Defeat in the Cold
Roller had two efforts on goal for Port as play ebbed from end to end. He should have done better on both occasions. Nattapon Worasut went close for BGPU with a glancing header in the next action. Saurez for Port and Nattapon were next to have efforts on goal.
At full time, I decided to grab a tuk-tuk back towards Rangsit, from where I caught a couple of buses heading home. I hadn't realised just how cold the wind was as it was behind the away stand at the stadium. I found out back at my local bar, where staff were huddled inside to try and keep warm. It was whisky time!
BG Pathum United 0 Melbourne City 0
At full time, I decided to grab a tuk-tuk back towards Rangsit, from where I caught a couple of buses heading home. I hadn't realised just how cold the wind was as it was behind the away stand at the stadium. I found out back at my local bar, where staff were huddled inside to try and keep warm. It was whisky time!
BG Pathum United 0 Melbourne City 0
AFC Champions League Group G - Wednesday 27th April 2022
π¨π¨π§π§ 3,699 π️ 150 THB (£3.60)
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Covid Restrictions
I had an extra opportunity to head to a game at BG Stadium when the Asian Champions League groups were each allocated a single venue. This replaced teams playing traditional legs home and away, which proved problematic due to COVID-19 restrictions.
By now, I had learned even more about local travel and the quickest way to the stadium. I caught a minivan to Zeer Rangsit directly from Minburi, saving time and money. The 538 bus took me the rest of the way.
Enjoyable Experience
By now, I had learned even more about local travel and the quickest way to the stadium. I caught a minivan to Zeer Rangsit directly from Minburi, saving time and money. The 538 bus took me the rest of the way.
Enjoyable Experience
Again, I plumped for the middle tier upstairs behind the goal, ready to enjoy the skills of Teerasil Dangda, who had become my favourite Thai player. It was a pleasure to watch a veteran craftsman at work.
Again, the cashless system worked well as I had time for a beer and chicken drumsticks from the vendors behind the West Stand before heading to my place. I had taken a real shine to BG Stadium, despite it being three-sided. A proper football ground whose away end reminded me of the old Spion Kop at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool.
A win for the home side would guarantee qualification into the next stage, against the Aussie side funded by Manchester City, who were two points behind in the group in second place. In the early exchanges, Pathompol flicked on a corner which Teerasil just failed to convert as the ball was smothered by goalie Thomas Glover.
Ikhsan Fandi was then denied by the stopper before Andrew Nabbout created problems at the other end when his low cross was parried upwards by the BG custodian Kittipong. Jamie Maclaren will have been disappointed to put his header wide when the ball popped up to him.
Teerasil failed to get enough purchase on his effort when the ball was laid square from a cross, allowing Glover to save. Shortly after the interval, Scott Jamieson fired in a low shot that was pushed around the post by Kittipong.
Chatmongkol Thongkiri fired just over from range for the hosts on seventy-seven minutes before Maclaren was denied for City at the other end. Diogo had a drive that sliced narrowly wide as both sides looked for a late winner.
Cheeky Locals
Again, the cashless system worked well as I had time for a beer and chicken drumsticks from the vendors behind the West Stand before heading to my place. I had taken a real shine to BG Stadium, despite it being three-sided. A proper football ground whose away end reminded me of the old Spion Kop at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool.
A win for the home side would guarantee qualification into the next stage, against the Aussie side funded by Manchester City, who were two points behind in the group in second place. In the early exchanges, Pathompol flicked on a corner which Teerasil just failed to convert as the ball was smothered by goalie Thomas Glover.
Ikhsan Fandi was then denied by the stopper before Andrew Nabbout created problems at the other end when his low cross was parried upwards by the BG custodian Kittipong. Jamie Maclaren will have been disappointed to put his header wide when the ball popped up to him.
Teerasil failed to get enough purchase on his effort when the ball was laid square from a cross, allowing Glover to save. Shortly after the interval, Scott Jamieson fired in a low shot that was pushed around the post by Kittipong.
Chatmongkol Thongkiri fired just over from range for the hosts on seventy-seven minutes before Maclaren was denied for City at the other end. Diogo had a drive that sliced narrowly wide as both sides looked for a late winner.
Cheeky Locals
Towards the end, the locals around me were directing some hilarious abuse at the Aussie players in pidgin English, particularly comedy villain Rostyn Griffiths, who had been a rock all evening but was now using all the dark arts to wind the clock down. They apologised to me at the end, but I told them to crack on!
BG still required a win against Jeonnam in their final game, which they managed. I caught a tuk-tuk back to Rangsit and then a minivan, which I initially thought would drop me by Wat Phra Sri Mahathat but went all the way to Minburi. Happy days!
BG Pathum United 4 Port FC 2
BG still required a win against Jeonnam in their final game, which they managed. I caught a tuk-tuk back to Rangsit and then a minivan, which I initially thought would drop me by Wat Phra Sri Mahathat but went all the way to Minburi. Happy days!
BG Pathum United 4 Port FC 2
Thai League 1 - Wednesday 14th September 2022
π¨π¨π§π§ 6,470 π️ 150 THB (£4.60)
A Difficult Start
A fixture that I always looked forward to was rescheduled owing to BG's involvement in the AFC Champions League. While that was understandable, a 6pm midweek kick-off meant negotiating heavy rush hour traffic.
I set off three hours before the start. Sihaburanukit Road at the end of my Minburi condo was flooded, so I had to take off my shoes and socks to wade through the water and over the bridge before getting a minivan to the BTS light green line. Not a great start.
Plans On Course
The train took no time, and before long, a bus arrived to carry me towards Rangsit, where we encountered more flooding on certain roads. Over the many roads, I got to where the songthaew had previously dropped me after games. All was going according to plan, with time for a couple of drinks too.
Then the wheels fell off my plan. I asked a man at the minibus station which service was going towards Nakhon Nayok and past the stadium. He pointed to a songthaew pulling up outside, and he even shouted for the driver to wait. What a nice chap.
Plans Derailed
Then the wheels fell off my plan. I asked a man at the minibus station which service was going towards Nakhon Nayok and past the stadium. He pointed to a songthaew pulling up outside, and he even shouted for the driver to wait. What a nice chap.
Plans Derailed
The vehicle then proceeded to take me in the completely opposite direction, and right into the floods. It is somewhat of an understatement to say that I was unimpressed. Eventually, I managed to find a taxi that would take me to the stadium. I arrived outside seven minutes into the game.
Rushing through the complex, I eventually got upstairs in the away section. Twelve minutes gone and it was 0-0. Great stuff, and they were allowing beers while we watched, so I quickly nipped back down to the friendly staff to buy a Leo.
It Gets Worse
Rushing through the complex, I eventually got upstairs in the away section. Twelve minutes gone and it was 0-0. Great stuff, and they were allowing beers while we watched, so I quickly nipped back down to the friendly staff to buy a Leo.
It Gets Worse
Inevitably, as soon as I was settled, United went ahead. And it was yet another case of awful defending as a looped cross from skipper Sarach Yooyen found Irfan Fandi, who plonked his header past a stranded Worawut in the away net.
In the thirty-sixth minute, it got worse for Port when skipper Tanaboon Kesarat was adjudged to have swung an elbow when shielding the ball. Referee Sivakorn Pu-Udom was advised to check the screen and gave a straight red card after a VAR review. A very harsh call in my view.
Suarez nearly got on the end of a Bordin diagonal ball in the box before it was 2-0 three minutes before the break, when Ikhsan Fandi outjumped and outmuscled Frans Putros to head home a cross from Apisit. It was all too easy in the air again for BGPU when playing Port.
Yet there was still time for the visitors to get back into the game in stoppage time. A cross saw Irfan Fandi and Hamilton collide in a challenge, with the ball ending back at the feet of Teerasak Poeiphimai just inside the box, who smashed home.
The defender rolled around and stayed on the floor trying to make the most of it, and I thought another VAR decision was pending. Thankfully, the ref, maybe contemplating his earlier sending-off, was having none of it.
It was a jollier congregation on the concourse at the break, with an air of optimism. Suphanan Bureerat was teed up by Hamilton soon after the restart, but his shot was easily dealt with by goalie Kittipong. If only the Port player could kick with his right foot.
2-1 became 3-1 after sixty-seven minutes. A simple training ground passing move and cross undid the away side out wide. Substitute Teerasil fired home a volley from eight yards with all the freedom in the world. A great finish, but horrible defending.
Worawut pulled off a couple of decent stops before another replacement, Conrado scoring an excellent goal with a rasping right foot finish, again with the aid of having nobody trying to challenge. Teersail was denied shortly afterwards by another save.
Port sub William WeidersjΓΆ showed skill and then finished with a low left-foot shot in additional time at the end of the game to reduce the arrears, giving the excellent away following something to cheer. Some of the numbers showed their frustrations earlier with a small outbreak of unrest at the segregation barriers.
At full-time, boss Scott Cooper came across and got a good ovation, as did both sides. His job was surely to sort out the defence, which was a shambles. Port, as ever, looked pretty against a good side but was lacking an underbelly. BG, on the other hand, looked strong and like a good team.
I headed out onto the main road and had a beer, while many home fans passing on scooters gave me high fives. I genuinely like the BGPU fans and the experience there. I followed this up with a van ride and a walk to a place I liked the look of in the past.
Passing Balance Cafe & Restaurant, which I noted advertised craft beers, I arrived at Kin Do Funk. It had live music, My Beer, which I liked, and complimentary bowls of salted peanuts with chilli. I enjoyed myself before deciding that a taxi back to Minburi was a good option in my tired and emotional condition.
BG Pathum United 0 Buriram United 2
In the thirty-sixth minute, it got worse for Port when skipper Tanaboon Kesarat was adjudged to have swung an elbow when shielding the ball. Referee Sivakorn Pu-Udom was advised to check the screen and gave a straight red card after a VAR review. A very harsh call in my view.
Suarez nearly got on the end of a Bordin diagonal ball in the box before it was 2-0 three minutes before the break, when Ikhsan Fandi outjumped and outmuscled Frans Putros to head home a cross from Apisit. It was all too easy in the air again for BGPU when playing Port.
Yet there was still time for the visitors to get back into the game in stoppage time. A cross saw Irfan Fandi and Hamilton collide in a challenge, with the ball ending back at the feet of Teerasak Poeiphimai just inside the box, who smashed home.
The defender rolled around and stayed on the floor trying to make the most of it, and I thought another VAR decision was pending. Thankfully, the ref, maybe contemplating his earlier sending-off, was having none of it.
It was a jollier congregation on the concourse at the break, with an air of optimism. Suphanan Bureerat was teed up by Hamilton soon after the restart, but his shot was easily dealt with by goalie Kittipong. If only the Port player could kick with his right foot.
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Worawut pulled off a couple of decent stops before another replacement, Conrado scoring an excellent goal with a rasping right foot finish, again with the aid of having nobody trying to challenge. Teersail was denied shortly afterwards by another save.
Port sub William WeidersjΓΆ showed skill and then finished with a low left-foot shot in additional time at the end of the game to reduce the arrears, giving the excellent away following something to cheer. Some of the numbers showed their frustrations earlier with a small outbreak of unrest at the segregation barriers.
At full-time, boss Scott Cooper came across and got a good ovation, as did both sides. His job was surely to sort out the defence, which was a shambles. Port, as ever, looked pretty against a good side but was lacking an underbelly. BG, on the other hand, looked strong and like a good team.
I headed out onto the main road and had a beer, while many home fans passing on scooters gave me high fives. I genuinely like the BGPU fans and the experience there. I followed this up with a van ride and a walk to a place I liked the look of in the past.
Passing Balance Cafe & Restaurant, which I noted advertised craft beers, I arrived at Kin Do Funk. It had live music, My Beer, which I liked, and complimentary bowls of salted peanuts with chilli. I enjoyed myself before deciding that a taxi back to Minburi was a good option in my tired and emotional condition.
BG Pathum United 0 Buriram United 2
Thai League 1 - Saturday 4th February 2023
π¨π¨π§π§ 10,089 π️ 100 THB (£2.40)
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Full House
My new policy of picking a game I really fancied, rather than going for quantity, continued. I bought a ticket online a few days beforehand. It was as well that I did, as all spaces were sold before matchday.
Taew dropped me off in Minburi, and before long, I was on the 520 bus to Zeer Rangsit, enjoying listening to a podcast along the way. There was time for a quick snack before my reliable Viabus app told me it would not be long until the the 538 service arrived.
Taew dropped me off in Minburi, and before long, I was on the 520 bus to Zeer Rangsit, enjoying listening to a podcast along the way. There was time for a quick snack before my reliable Viabus app told me it would not be long until the the 538 service arrived.
Heavy Traffic
The road from Rangsit towards the stadium was gridlocked, and progress was slow. My intended hour before the game arrival time was nearly cut in half, not helped by the peak-time kickoff and a graduation day at nearby North Bangkok University, causing congestion.
Eventually, I arrived and headed for the newly reopened restaurant bar, The Rabbits. It was certainly plush inside with a live band playing. I heard someone shouting my name outside, and it turned out to be someone I hadn’t seen for several years.
Chance Meeting
Eventually, I arrived and headed for the newly reopened restaurant bar, The Rabbits. It was certainly plush inside with a live band playing. I heard someone shouting my name outside, and it turned out to be someone I hadn’t seen for several years.
Chance Meeting
It was lovely to see a teaching mate of my Minburi mate Steve, whom I'd last chatted to in Pattaya. He was at his first game and with a group of pals. Sadly, the service from inside the bar didn’t live up to its surroundings, so I headed off in search of lubrication.
I was aware that BG Stadium was cash-free, and that system works, with multiple beers all poured ready to take away, using a simple scanning process on a mobile phone app, before collecting a 70 THB beer.
Great Advert for Thai Football
I was aware that BG Stadium was cash-free, and that system works, with multiple beers all poured ready to take away, using a simple scanning process on a mobile phone app, before collecting a 70 THB beer.
Great Advert for Thai Football
I headed upstairs, happy to get a place on the second tier to experience a good game and an excellent atmosphere. Buriram would show exactly why they are champions with two pieces of individual brilliance deciding the encounter.
The teams came out to a light show, a new feature at the stadium, before the game started at a frenetic pace. Both sides tested each other out. Suphanat Mueanta, for the visitors, was denied by the legs of the home keeper Kittipong. However, the stopper was absolutely powerless to prevent the reigning champions from taking the lead.
Great Goal
The teams came out to a light show, a new feature at the stadium, before the game started at a frenetic pace. Both sides tested each other out. Suphanat Mueanta, for the visitors, was denied by the legs of the home keeper Kittipong. However, the stopper was absolutely powerless to prevent the reigning champions from taking the lead.
Great Goal
What looked like a harmless square ball along the edge of the box in the eleventh from skipper Narubadin Weerawatnodom was swept in first time with a curling shot by Haris VuΔkiΔ that flew into the top corner of the net. A wonderful strike. My heart sank a little. I knew full well that Buriram rarely conceded a lead, and I wanted a close contest and preferably a home win.
Therefore, I was delighted four minutes later when the hosts appeared to equalise. Celebrations following the goal ruled out by VAR. A magnificent ball from defence found a man out wide on the right, whose deep cross was headed by Chaowat Veerachat. Nopphon Lakhonphon made a great save, but the rebound was headed home by StΓͺnio JΓΊnior.
VAR Spoils the Celebrations
VAR Spoils the Celebrations
The light show kicked into action again as the majority of the sellout crowd celebrated. However, as the players lined up for the restart, referee Wiwat Jumpaoon delayed the kickoff. VAR ruled the goal out for offside, despite further BG protests. It turned out to be the correct decision, but it showed just how spontaneity can be sucked out of a game.
No doubt I would have had a different opinion if an unlawful goal went in against one of my teams. Peeradon Chamratsamee went close with a low skimming shot for the visitors before the scorer was involved in a nasty aerial exchange, requiring VuΔkiΔ to wear a head bandage for the remainder of the game.
Then Supachai Chaided rolled the ball into the path of Goran ΔauΕ‘iΔ, whose rasping drive brought out the best in Kittipong in the final action of the half, when I headed back downstairs for another beer and to enjoy the architecture of one of my favourite venues around some genuinely friendly people.
Three minutes after the restart, StΓͺnio JΓΊnior missed a great chance to restore parity when he side-footed a lovely slide-rule cross from Chaowat with the goal at his mercy. Then Nopphon was forced to tip over an effort from Santiphap Channgom.
Quality Counts
Then Supachai Chaided rolled the ball into the path of Goran ΔauΕ‘iΔ, whose rasping drive brought out the best in Kittipong in the final action of the half, when I headed back downstairs for another beer and to enjoy the architecture of one of my favourite venues around some genuinely friendly people.
Three minutes after the restart, StΓͺnio JΓΊnior missed a great chance to restore parity when he side-footed a lovely slide-rule cross from Chaowat with the goal at his mercy. Then Nopphon was forced to tip over an effort from Santiphap Channgom.
Quality Counts
With twenty minutes remaining, the lead was doubled through a brilliant, tight passing move involving VuΔkiΔ and ΔauΕ‘iΔ, allowing Suphanat to finish superbly with a delicate dink. The frontman was rumoured to be gathering interest from Leicester City after he had a spell training there, and it wasn’t hard to see why.
Some pushing and shoving occurred with several players from both sides involved after it appeared that a home player went down when Narubadin flung out his arm in the area. I was astonished that the VAR team was not interested in the offence.
The hero celebrated in front of the packed masses of his team’s support, who were also superb throughout the game. AndrΓ©s TΓΊΓ±ez saw an effort tipped round for BGPU in additional time, but Buriram ran out deserved winners.
I used my experience and was bang on the final whistle and headed along the road towards Rangsit rather than getting lost in the crowds. I got a taxi within a few minutes, with Taew giving my driver full instructions to get me to my destination for lots of beautiful food and drinks.
BG Pathum United 1 Ulsan Hyundai 3
Some pushing and shoving occurred with several players from both sides involved after it appeared that a home player went down when Narubadin flung out his arm in the area. I was astonished that the VAR team was not interested in the offence.
The hero celebrated in front of the packed masses of his team’s support, who were also superb throughout the game. AndrΓ©s TΓΊΓ±ez saw an effort tipped round for BGPU in additional time, but Buriram ran out deserved winners.
I used my experience and was bang on the final whistle and headed along the road towards Rangsit rather than getting lost in the crowds. I got a taxi within a few minutes, with Taew giving my driver full instructions to get me to my destination for lots of beautiful food and drinks.
BG Pathum United 1 Ulsan Hyundai 3
AFC Champions League Group I - Tuesday 28th November 2023
π¨π¨π§π§ 3,563 π️ Complimentary
Friendship Through Football
An Australian friend, Terry, whom I know through cricket tournaments in Chiang Mai, contacted me a couple of weeks ago. His son, Adam, was the fourth official for the game and asked if I wanted tickets. It was very handy as I was in Bangkok for a few days after cricket in the northern city. He did the business, leaving me to collect them at the office.
On the way to the game, after a ride on the newly opened Pink Line sky train, I was joined on the bus by a young couple asking if I was heading to the stadium. My Hull City shirt might have been a giveaway. Anyway, we alighted and shared a taxi. They were without tickets and wanted to get there as soon as possible.
Unexpected Session
I had to explain that the stadium is nearly all cashless, although some food vendors do accept notes. I tried to buy them a couple of tickets on my club account, but sales had closed. When the lady met me to hand out my complimentary ticket, she asked how many I required and kindly gave me three.
We had great seats, and we could take a beer with us. My new friends insisted on looking after me, so what I thought would be a quiet evening doing reports for A Thai Football Podcast, which I’m involved in, turned into a merry little session.
South Korean Quality
The match was an easy win for the quality South Korean side. The home team had two goals disallowed, but were second-best throughout. Ulsan had a beast of a centre forward, the Hungarian Martin Adam, and a very quick and skilful Swedish winger, Gustav Ludwigson.
Cheered on by a hundred or so travelling fans, they looked like a class outfit. The hosts only had pride to play for, already dumped at the bottom of the group with just one more game to play.
Home defender Jakkapan Praisuwan put a hard low cross past his own keeper after twenty minutes, with Ludwigson doubling the advantage seven minutes later. Their fast interplay was too much for the Thais to handle, despite them being second in their league.
Ulsan had recently been crowned as their league champions, which exemplifies the difference in standards between the two nations. It’s as well that Ulsan seemingly held back. After the break, as the crowd doubled from its kick-off figure with people finishing work at the same time as the 5pm start, the game was slightly more competitive.
However, a low shot from Lee Myung-Jae made it 3-0 before Igor Sergeyev, the Uzbekistan wide man, reduced the arrears after being assisted by the ageing but still excellent Teerasil Dangda.
It was great to see that the fourth stand at BG Stadium was going up. It was already one of my favourite Thai stadiums, and the addition would add to it. Great views were already offered on all the current three sides, especially mine on this occasion, as I played tour guide.
My video report of the evening was compiled for A Thai Football Podcast
BG Pathum United 2 Chiangrai United 2
Thai League 1 - Thursday 28th December 2023
π¨π¨π§π§ 5,713 π️ 100 THB (£2.40)
A fantastic game of football to round off my year of 45 matches, which started with Kasem Bundit University 3 Samut Prakan 2, which was also attended in the company of my mate Steve, who again came along for this cracker.
It was a big night in the Thai League with this game seeing third up against fifth, while reigning champions Buriram United were away to bottom side Prachuap, and leaders Bangkok United travelled to second-from-bottom Chonburi. We were royally entertained at our match.
CRU took an early lead when the impressive 39-year-old Brazilian, Bill, who was in the thick of the action as ever, played his part as compatriot Felippe Veloso raced clear to finish neatly after five minutes.
BGPU piled on the pressure and were guilty of over-elaborating, as the visitors’ defence put in a superb display, most noticeably Diego Landis and Marco Ballini, who were like rocks. Finally, they conceded seven minutes from the break when Danilo Alves rose to power home a header past keeper Saranon Anuin.
It appeared it would be the foothold to power the hosts towards victory, but they had a shock awaiting them. A superb passing move right from the back was finished with a thunderbolt from the edge of the box from Sivakorn Tiatrakul, leaving Chatchai Bootprom grasping thin air.
This was a few seconds before the halftime whistle was blown by impressive referee Songkran Bunmeekiart, who saw through plenty of play-acting from both sides as he allowed the game to flow and a proper contest to emerge.
The second half saw more home pressure, and they looked like they were about to get back into the game when they were awarded a penalty. The ref was persuaded to check his VAR screen. The offence had taken place outside the box, so he amended his decision.
However, that was bad news for the last defender, Ballini, whose yellow card was upgraded to a red. It was going to be a mighty task for the final thirty-five minutes or so for the team in all orange. CRU took off a forward but still looked dangerous on the break, and they missed a good chance following a low cross, which caused confusion in the BGPU box.
Sadly, for me, Bill had gone off at the interval. He’s a true panto villain with lots of skill and a box of dirty tricks which any football fan can admire. Like a large Frank Worthington with dark arts. Or Tony Rogers of Dagenham, near the end of his career.
The board went up showing eight additional minutes, and it was in the seventh of them that substitute Igor Sergeev headed home the equaliser. The CRU players sank to their knees, and were followed by the home team at full-time. Everyone had given their last ounce of energy. It was a superb advert for Thai football.
Steve and I were joined by Mark, an Oxford United fan living in Bangkok. We took the Skytrain to Lak Si, and then a bus to a bar called Kin Do Funk, a couple of miles down the road from BG Stadium. Unfortunately, they weren’t opening until 6pm, and with a 7pm kickoff, we decided to head to the venue.
We went into the air-conditioned Rabbits clubhouse for a tower of Leo beer and snacks before sitting outside in the fans zone, taking in the atmosphere. Our view inside the stadium was superb, and we could drink on the terraces. We returned to the rammed Kin Do Funk for drinks at full time.
What a superb experience it turned out to be among friendly locals. We had a wonderful lads' day exchanging tales and chewing the fat with lots of laughter, food, and drinks. We also did a fair bit of walking, which might, or might not, have explained my condition the following day. Thankfully, we got a taxi home.
It was a big night in the Thai League with this game seeing third up against fifth, while reigning champions Buriram United were away to bottom side Prachuap, and leaders Bangkok United travelled to second-from-bottom Chonburi. We were royally entertained at our match.
CRU took an early lead when the impressive 39-year-old Brazilian, Bill, who was in the thick of the action as ever, played his part as compatriot Felippe Veloso raced clear to finish neatly after five minutes.
BGPU piled on the pressure and were guilty of over-elaborating, as the visitors’ defence put in a superb display, most noticeably Diego Landis and Marco Ballini, who were like rocks. Finally, they conceded seven minutes from the break when Danilo Alves rose to power home a header past keeper Saranon Anuin.
It appeared it would be the foothold to power the hosts towards victory, but they had a shock awaiting them. A superb passing move right from the back was finished with a thunderbolt from the edge of the box from Sivakorn Tiatrakul, leaving Chatchai Bootprom grasping thin air.
This was a few seconds before the halftime whistle was blown by impressive referee Songkran Bunmeekiart, who saw through plenty of play-acting from both sides as he allowed the game to flow and a proper contest to emerge.
The second half saw more home pressure, and they looked like they were about to get back into the game when they were awarded a penalty. The ref was persuaded to check his VAR screen. The offence had taken place outside the box, so he amended his decision.
However, that was bad news for the last defender, Ballini, whose yellow card was upgraded to a red. It was going to be a mighty task for the final thirty-five minutes or so for the team in all orange. CRU took off a forward but still looked dangerous on the break, and they missed a good chance following a low cross, which caused confusion in the BGPU box.
Sadly, for me, Bill had gone off at the interval. He’s a true panto villain with lots of skill and a box of dirty tricks which any football fan can admire. Like a large Frank Worthington with dark arts. Or Tony Rogers of Dagenham, near the end of his career.
The board went up showing eight additional minutes, and it was in the seventh of them that substitute Igor Sergeev headed home the equaliser. The CRU players sank to their knees, and were followed by the home team at full-time. Everyone had given their last ounce of energy. It was a superb advert for Thai football.
Steve and I were joined by Mark, an Oxford United fan living in Bangkok. We took the Skytrain to Lak Si, and then a bus to a bar called Kin Do Funk, a couple of miles down the road from BG Stadium. Unfortunately, they weren’t opening until 6pm, and with a 7pm kickoff, we decided to head to the venue.
We went into the air-conditioned Rabbits clubhouse for a tower of Leo beer and snacks before sitting outside in the fans zone, taking in the atmosphere. Our view inside the stadium was superb, and we could drink on the terraces. We returned to the rammed Kin Do Funk for drinks at full time.
The evening in video for A Thai Football Podcast
What a superb experience it turned out to be among friendly locals. We had a wonderful lads' day exchanging tales and chewing the fat with lots of laughter, food, and drinks. We also did a fair bit of walking, which might, or might not, have explained my condition the following day. Thankfully, we got a taxi home.
